Google Messages isn’t perfect. Although it offers the same set of features and functionality as other messaging apps, some of its tools are still hidden behind the three-dot menu at the top of the screen. This menu can be challenging to access with one hand, especially on modern flagship phones.
It now looks like Google will finally address this shortcoming in a future update. Looking within version 20251020_01_RC01 beta of Google Messages, Android Authority has found evidence of an updated menu that appears directly under the message, saving users the trouble of reaching the header at the top of the screen.
In its current form, long-pressing a message opens a header menu with the option to copy, delete, or star the message, alongside the three-dot menu. This three-dot menu includes options like Reply, Share, Forward, and View details.
But with this updated version, Google will bring all of these options to a menu right below the message you’ve selected. There will be no change to the row of reactions, as it will continue to appear above the selected message/text.
While most of the header items have made it to this newly spotted menu, the Share option appears to be missing. However, the menu gains a new multi-select tool called Select more. This workflow has also received a significant revamp, with each selected message gaining a traditional circle and checkmark to identify the messages you’ve selected.
Right now, Messages lets you select multiple texts by long-pressing on one message and then selecting others in the thread. But as Android Authority points out, it can be hard to tell which messages you’ve selected, largely due to Android’s theming system.
But with this new checkmark-based interface, there’s no scope for accidentally missing out on a message when you’re selecting several of them at once.
As you would expect, this new menu can display options based on the action you’re conducting. For instance, if you’re long-pressing on a text-based message you’ve sent, you will find an Edit option appearing in the menu pop-up. Similarly, selecting an image or video you’ve received will surface a Save option in the menu.
Given that these updated options had to be activated in a beta version of the Messages app, it’s difficult to estimate when they will be available more widely. But considering the work that has gone into it, we presume it shouldn’t be long before these options are rolled out to everyone.
Do you like these changes coming to the Messages app?
